The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1887-09-10


bow and remarked that If she would
throw his horse to him he would start
for home.
Joseph Call left son Joe. who was
also plain, easy-going man, making
no pretensions to physical prowess, al
though reported to possess nearly the
strength of his father. Young Joe, as
he was called. was until his death in
the employ of the Rogers Iron Company.
at Ausablc Forks. Its president. Henry
D. Graves, under date of February 8.
1887, furnishes the following informa-
ton concerning the family: Joseph
Call, son of old Joe, died nearly two
years ago, and there are none Of his
family now living near us. One son
and the widow of young Joe live in the
town of North Elba, and have learned
that the widow has an old Bible with
the record in relation to the birth.
death. etc, of Old Joe. A good many
years ago there was life of Joe Call
published, but think it will be impos-
sible to find one now. Ihave found an
old book entitled Daring Exploits and
Perilous Adventures which has an
article on Joe Call, the Modern Her
cules.' which gives some of his ex-
ploits."
The following chapter is taken from
book published at New Haven. Conn.,,
by L. H. Young, about sixty years ago,
and is entitled Joe Call. the Modern
Hercules" There are incidents in the
life of every individual, however insig-
nifcant his station may be in society,
which, if fairly written out would be
looked upon by the sneering wise-acres
of this skeptical age as little better than
sheer fiction. But the true philosopher,
with deeper vision, sees truth stamped
upon them, and only wonders at the
mysterious Providence who has thus
seen fit TO weave the beautiful flowers
of romance in the dark wool Of ordinary
life. The life of the late Joseph Call,
of Lewis. in New York. was rife with
such incidents, and although it is for
eign to our purpose in the present ar
ticle to play the part of biographer to
his memory, yet we have thought an
idle hour would not be unproftably
spent in rescuing from oblivion few
desultory instances in which he dis
played the great and incredible strength
with which he was gifted.
OF his early childhood we know but
little, except that he was the leader and
champion of all the boys in his neigh
borhood. One incident, however. has
been related to us which, although it
does not show our hero in very favor
able light as scholar, displays that pc
culiar trait Of humor for which he was
so remarkable. 1t seems chat upon a
certain occasion Joe had been guilty
of a breach of the rules of school, and
accordingly the worthy pedagogue
called him up to adm mister the rsqui-
site correction. Joe. indignant at the
idea Of being publicly whipped, no
sooner made his appearance on the
floor, than seizing upon the .stonished
knight of the birch, as Uncle Toby did
upon the fly, he incontinently flung him
neck and heels out of the window, amid
the uproarious shouts of his companions.
As he grew older his natural joviality
Of disposition led him to frequent whim-
steal displays Of physical superiority.
At one time, he wonld lift barrel of
cider to his lips, and having satisfied
his own thirst from the bunghole.
would gravely offer to pass it around
to the company. At another, stealing
silently behind Transfers wagon, he
would seize hold of the wheel, and sud-
denly bringing the team to hall,
would quietly remark. "a breathing
spell to your nags, neighbor.". At one
period Of his life, when teamster him.
self, he used frequently to find his inn
mense strength Of great service, for
whenever his team would happen to get
set in q mud-hole he would crawl under
his wagon, and placing his broad snoul-
ders against the bottom, would raise
wagon. load and all, gradually up until
his horses were anle to dcag it forth
without difficulty.
A celebrated wrestler from Albany,
having heard of Joe's reputation,
once made him a visit for the express
purpose, as he declared. ''of giving
him touch of the fancy" Joe,
with his usual nodesty, disclaimed
all knowledge of the exercise,
but upon the stranger pressing
him. finally consented to take hold
Accordingly they grapplcd. the stranger
throwing himself in the most scientific
position, whilst Joe, pretending utter
ignorance of all rule. assumed the most
careless and exposed attitude. They
had scarcely got fair hold when the
stranger, placing his foot on Joe's toe,
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